Ulverston supermarket scheme approved again

Mike Gibson, planning consultant for the applicant, Robinson’s, secured planning permission for a second time for a controversial supermarket development in Ulverston.

South Lakeland’s Planning Committee voted to approve the application with an overwhelming majority of 14 to 1. Addressing the Committee, Mike explained that the scheme has the support of the Council Officers, English Heritage, the Design Review Panel of Places Matter and all the statutory undertakers, and invited the Committee to imagine the town centre in the future, with the benefits that the new development would bring.

The Council had previously approved the scheme with a slim majority, but its decision was challenged by an objector group and quashed by the Court on a technicality, making it necessary for the application to be redetermined. The proposals will mean a new supermarket, as well as retail and office development, on Robinson’s former brewery and distribution depot which is next to the shopping centre and in a conservation area. The new development also includes the upgrading and landscaping of two town centre car parks and the resurfacing of footways which will make the town centre a more attractive place to visit.